Alicia Vermaas Factory Engineer

Alicia works as a Factory Engineer in the Projects department at VDL ETG Almelo. Why did she choose a career in engineering? And what does she like about her profession? We asked her!
 

When did you choose engineering?

’I used to be very creative and could spend hours drawing and tinkering. Then I would often make things that you could actually use, like a hamster cage. Occasionally I would also tinker with an old moped belonging to my father, who is also an engineer. And so at VWO I already chose the profiles 'nature and technology' and ‘nature and health’'.
 

So you knew early on what you wanted to be?

“Well, not really. I found the technical side interesting, but I also wanted to work a lot with people. I was afraid that that combination didn't exist in very technical professions. So my 'if-you-come-later-big-big-bad' went from inventor and professor to architect and even activity counselor in elder care. After many walk-in days, tests and interviews, I finally ended up studying Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) at the University of Twente. There I learned that in this field you have to work together a lot. So technology and working with people. The ideal combination for me. I then supplemented my education with a master's degree in Management of Product Development. 

And now you are a Factory Engineer at VDL ETG Almelo. What is your job?

“I work every day on the realization of technically complex products and systems. After a product is designed, it has to be put together (assembled). As an FE, I am responsible for setting up that assembly process. Sounds simple, but it often involves systems with more than nine thousand parts!”

So how does that really work?

“The production process of a technically complex product or machine, often starts in our Projects department with a customer who wants something made based on made technical drawings. I then start working with those drawings to look at manufacturability, possible process risks and I investigate whether tools are needed to put it together. Once that is clear, I organize the further production process together with various stakeholders. I then consult a lot with the purchasing and sales team, designers, assemblers and, of course, the customer. Together with the assembler I build the first prototype and then develop in work instructions to be able to assemble the following products properly.”

So do you always have one of those special suits on like in the picture?

“No, I only have that when I'm with my colleagues in the clean room. The precision with which we work is sometimes a thousand times smaller than a human hair. That's why we often work in ultra-clean rooms, to avoid contaminating our products. But the rest of the time I'm just wearing my own clothes and usually sitting in my own office workstation.”

What are you working on now?

“I am now working, together with six colleagues, on a project in which, together with the customer, we are working toward making a new machine for producing very small microchips. Those computer chips are of course already in use now, but this machine is going to ensure that they become even smaller and can therefore be used for even more applications.”

What do you like most about your job?

“Here I have really been able to combine engineering and working with people. I have contact with many different people, both inside and outside our own organization. Strength through cooperation, is VDL's philosophy. I actually put that into practice every day with my colleagues here. And then of course there is the interesting technical side of my work. I love projects with complex, large and fast systems. There is no shortage of those here at VDL ETG Almelo. And because I am involved in the entire project, my work is also very varied.”

What are you most proud of?

“Every time, it is very cool to see a project develop from an idea and drawings, to a fully functioning system. The fact that I get to contribute in this way to, for example, a device that helps cure chronic diseases, I am extremely proud of that.”

What is VDL ETG Almelo like as an employer?

“I got to know the company during my studies. I found the complex products they can make there very interesting and so I applied there immediately after my master's degree. They thought well of me and made sure I got a position that really suited me. You get a lot of freedom to develop yourself and take on the tasks you like best. In addition, it is also just a nice company to work for. Everyone is very open and enthusiastic about their job and their work, so you quickly get to know the people, the processes and the technology. This openness can be found at all levels of the company. There are almost 800 people working here, so I really don't know everyone personally. Still, it's very easy to make contact with colleagues you need for your project.”
 

Are they still looking for new colleagues?

“Yes definitely! VDL ETG Almelo is growing tremendously. A new production hall is now being built and many new offices are being added. Everything to meet the growing demand in our market. So would you also like to help build the very latest, most advanced systems in the world? Choose technology! There is always a position that suits you. Like Factory Engineer with me.”